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Abstract:

It is provided a nozzle (10) for applying a powder, particularly a
pulverized hair treatment product, particularly preferred a cosmetic
and/or dermatological product, comprising a cap (12) for being connected
to a squeezable container for storing the powder, an outlet conduit (14)
protruding from the cap (12) along an axial direction (16) for dispensing
the powder through the cap (12). According to the invention a mesh (28)
covering the outlet conduit (14) for retaining the powder and for
pulverizing powder agglomerates is provided, wherein the mesh (28)
comprises in a region covering the outlet conduit passages, and the
outlet conduit (14) comprises an inner surface (22) for guiding the
powder, wherein the inner surface (22) is inclined with respect to the
axial direction (16) of the outlet conduit (14) by an angle α of
0.0°<α≦15.0°, particularly
1.0°≦α≦12.5°, preferably
1.5°≦α≦8.0°, further preferred
2.0°≦α≦7.0°, more preferred
2.5°≦α≦6.0° and most preferred
α=3.0°±0.2°. Due to the mesh (28) powder
agglomerates can be pulverized ensuring a very fine powder with small
particle sizes. Since the mesh (28) not only retains the powder particles
but also pulverizes powder agglomerates, a homogenous particle size
distribution of the dispensed powder particles can be ensured. Due to the
small inclination angle α a steep course of the inner surface (22)
of the outlet conduit (14) is given leading to an increased flow velocity
at a reduced risk of accumulations and agglomerations of the powder
particles. Due to the reduced amount of agglomerations inside the outlet
conduit (14) the risk of clogging when a powder is dispensed is reduced
and a homogenous particle size distribution of the dispensed powder
particles is given.

Claims:

1. A nozzle for applying a powder, particularly a pulverized hair
treatment product, particularly preferred a cosmetic and/or
dermatological product, comprising a cap for being connected to a
squeezable container for storing the powder, an outlet conduit protruding
from the cap along an axial direction for dispensing the powder through
the cap, wherein a mesh covering the outlet conduit for retaining the
powder and for pulverizing powder agglomerates is provided, wherein the
mesh comprises in a region covering the outlet conduit passages, and the
outlet conduit comprises an inner surface for guiding the powder, wherein
the inner surface is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the
outlet conduit by an angle α of
0.0.degree.<α≦15.0.degree., particularly
1.0.degree.≦α≦12.5.degree., preferably
1.5.degree.≦α≦8.0.degree., further preferred
2.0.degree.≦α≦7.0.degree., more preferred
2.5.degree.≦α≦6.0.degree. and most preferred
α=3.0.degree..+-.0.2.degree..

2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the
outlet conduit is stepless inclined with respect to the axial direction
of the outlet conduit and comprises a constant angle α.

3. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the outlet conduit comprises
at its distal end an outlet opening comprising a cross sectional area of
Aout and at its proximal end an inlet opening comprising a cross
sectional area of Ain, wherein in the case of a present inlet
curvature the inlet opening is located at a change between the inlet
curvature and a mainly linear course of the inner surface of the outlet
conduit, wherein the ratio between Aout and Ain is
0.0<Aout/Ain≦1.0, particularly
0.05.ltoreq.Aout/Ain≦0.8, preferably
0.1.ltoreq.Aout/Ain≦0.6, more preferred
0.15.ltoreq.Aout/Ain≦0.5 and most preferred
0.2.ltoreq.Aout/Ain≦0.3.

5. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein each of the passages of the
mesh in the region covering the outlet conduit comprises a hydraulic
diameter d of 0.01 mm≦d≦0.45 mm, particularly 0.10
mm≦d≦0.40 mm, preferably 0.20 mm≦d≦0.30 mm
and most preferred d=0.25 mm.+-.0.02 mm.

6. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the passages comprise an
average distance s to each other of 0.05 mm≦s≦0.50 mm,
particularly 0.10 mm≦s≦0.40 mm, preferably 0.15
mm≦s≦0.30 mm and most preferred 0.20
mm≦s≦0.25 mm.

7. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the mesh is provided spaced
in axial direction to the outlet conduit particularly by means of a
distance ring.

8. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein a first mesh is provided in
direct contact to a distal border wall of the cap and a second mesh is
provided spaced in axial direction to the first mesh particularly by
means of a distance ring.

9. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein at least one stabilization
rip protruding from the outlet conduit and connected to the cap for
stabilizing the outlet conduit is provided.

10. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the mesh is connected inside
the nozzle by bonding by means of an adhesive and/or by clamping by means
of friction and/or by clipping by means of a clip connector and/or by
welding particularly by ultrasonic welding.

11. A powder dispenser for applying a powder, particularly a pulverized
hair treatment product, comprising a container partially filled with the
powder, wherein the container is adapted to change its volume upon
pressing on the container and wherein the container comprises an opening
for filling in the powder closed by a nozzle according to claim 1.

12. The powder dispenser according to claim 11, wherein 90% of the volume
of the powder comprises an average particle diameter dp of 1.0
μiη≦dp≦240 μiη particularly 2.0
μiη≦dp≦175 μiη, preferably 3.0
μiη≦dp≦150 μiη and most preferred 4.0
μiη≦dp≦125 μiη.

13. The powder dispenser according to claim 11, wherein a volume V of the
container is filled with the powder by 1%≦V≦90%, preferably
5%≦V≦60%, more preferred 10%≦V≦50% and most
preferred 15%≦V≦40%.

14. The powder dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the container,
particularly the material of the container and/or a wall thickness of the
container, is chosen such that when 50% of the volume of the container is
filled with the powder and the opening of the container is positioned
vertically downwards a mass m of powder of 0.001 g≦m≦0.5 g,
particularly 0.01 g≦m≦0.45 g, preferably 0.02
g≦m≦0.4 g, more preferred 0.05 g≦m≦0.3 g and
most preferred 0.1 g≦m≦0.2 g is dispensed.

15. (canceled)

Description:

[0001] The invention relates to a nozzle, by means of which a powder,
particularly a hair treatment product can be applied.

[0002] From EP 2 070 833 A1 a nozzle is known, by means of which a
solution and/or dispersion can de dispensed. It is not mentioned that
this nozzle is suitable for dispensing a liquid free composition, like
powder. The nozzle comprises a cap from which an outlet conduit protrudes
communicating through the cap with a container. The outlet conduit
comprises at its distal end a distal duct with constant diameter. The
distal duct is connected via a radially outwards step to a proximal duct
comprising an inner surface which is inclined to an axial direction of
the outlet conduit by an angle α of about 8°. At its
proximal end the outlet conduit is covered by a perforated plate, wherein
the passages of the perforated plate are significantly spaced to each
others. The passages comprise a diameter d of 0.5 mm≦d≦5.0
mm for retaining large particles.

[0003] It is a disadvantage of such kind of a nozzle that the nozzle can
not be used for applying a powder due to the risk of clogging inside the
outlet conduit. Further there is a permanent need that the particle sizes
of applied powder particles are as homogenous as possible.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a nozzle, by means of
which the risk of clogging is reduced, when a powder is dispensed, and a
homogenous particle size distribution of the dispensed powder particles
is given.

[0005] The object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Preferred
embodiments are given by the dependent claims.

[0006] The nozzle according to the invention for applying a powder,
particularly a pulverized hair treatment product, particularly preferred
a cosmetic and/or dermatological product, comprises a cap for being
connected to a squeezable container for storing the powder, an outlet
conduit protruding from the cap along an axial direction for dispensing
the powder through the cap. According to the invention a mesh covering
the outlet conduit for retaining the powder and for pulverizing powder
agglomerates is provided, wherein the mesh comprises in a region covering
the outlet conduit passages, and the outlet conduit comprises an inner
surface for guiding the powder, wherein the inner surface is inclined
with respect to the axial direction of the outlet conduit by an angle
α of 0.0°<α≦15.0°, particularly
1.0°≦α≦12.5°, preferably
1.5°≦α≦8.0°, further preferred
2.0°≦α≦7.0°, more preferred
2.5°≦α≦6.0° and most preferred
α=3.0°±0.2°. The nozzle is particularly used for
applying a non-therapeutic product.

[0007] Due to the mesh powder agglomerates can be pulverized ensuring a
very fine powder with small particle sizes. Since the mesh not only
retains the powder particles but also pulverizes powder agglomerates, a
homogenous particle size distribution of the dispensed powder particles
can be ensured. The conduits of the mesh are arranged at least in the
region covering the outlet conduit, this means in a region bordered by
the axial projection of the edge of the maximum flow cross-section of the
outlet conduit. It is possible that several conduits of the mesh may be
positioned outside the region covering the outlet conduit, for example in
the case of a woven mesh with a larger area than the maximum flow
cross-section of the outlet conduit passage. Due to the small inclination
angle α a steep course of the inner surface of the outlet conduit
is given leading to an additional volume between the mesh and the outlet
opening of the outlet conduit, where the flow of the powder particle may
be homogenized to a nearly laminar flow. The risk that powder particles
may hit each other and may agglomerate after passing the mesh is reduced.
Further the steep course of the outlet conduit leads to an increased flow
velocity at a reduced risk of accumulations and agglomerations of the
powder particles. Due to the reduced amount of agglomerations inside the
outlet conduit the risk of clogging is reduced when a powder is
dispensed. This leads in turn to a wide spraying effect.

[0008] Due to the reduced amount of agglomerations of the dispensed powder
particles it is possible to cover a wider surface with a lower mass of
powder. The mesh comprises passages which are spaced to each other by
such a small distance that the mesh is able to pulverize powder
agglomerates. By means of the steep inclination of the outlet conduit it
is prevented that the finely pulverized powder agglomerates stick
together again. Due to the combination of the mesh designed for
pulverizing powder agglomerates and the steep inclination of the outlet
conduit it is enabled to apply a very fine powder which does not
agglomerate significantly until it is applied to the intended target, for
instance to human hair.

[0009] The mesh is particularly a web of woven wires. The wires are
particularly made from a metal and/or plastic material. Particularly the
sum AP of the areas of the passages of the mesh is higher than the
sum AM of the areas of the parts between the passages in flow
direction, this means axial direction of the outlet conduit, at least in
the region, where the mesh covers the outlet conduit. Preferably the
ratio AP/AM is 1≦AP/AM≦100,
particularly 2≦AP/AM≦50, preferably
3≦AP/AM≦10 and most preferred
4≦AP/AM≦5. The thickness t of the mesh in axial
direction is particularly 0.02 mm≦t≦10.0 mm, preferably
0.05 mm≦t≦5.0 mm, particularly preferred 0.1
mm≦t≦4.0 mm and most preferred 0.5 mm≦t≦2.0
mm. The passages can be of mainly identical shape or differently shaped,
like circular, elliptic, rectangular, slot-like and/or quadratic. The
different passages can comprise a mainly identical or different hydraulic
diameter. The passages can be regularly and/or irregularly distributed at
different parts of the mesh. By considering the hydraulic diameter the
effect of a non-circular cross section of a passage to the flow of powder
particles can be described by means of a diameter of an equivalent
circular cross section for the respective passage. For calculating the
hydraulic diameter it is assumed that the whole perimeter of the cross
section of the respective passage is the wetted perimeter. Particularly
the cap comprises an inner or outer thread for being screwed onto the
squeezable container. If so, a sealing can be provided between the cap
and the container. When the squeezable container is pressed the powder
located inside the container is pressed through the mesh and dispensed
via the outlet conduit through the cap.

[0010] Particularly the outlet conduit and the cap are one-piece,
preferably made by plastic injection molding. Due to the inclined outlet
conduit a channel through the cap along the outlet conduit can be easily
provided by the mould itself without the need for a separated core.
Particularly in order to prevent sharp corners between the cap and the
outlet conduit inside the nozzle an inlet curvature at the transition
between the cap and the inner surface of the outlet conduit can be
provided. In this case it is understood that the proximal end of the
outlet conduit is located at the change between the inlet curvature and
the mainly linear course of the inner surface of the outlet conduit. This
means the inlet curvature is disregarded for defining the design of the
outlet conduit, particularly with respect to the measurement of the angle
α. The part of the nozzle in its axial extension comprising the
inlet curvature is regarded as part of the cap.

[0011] Particularly the inner surface of the outlet conduit is stepless
inclined with respect to the axial direction of the outlet conduit and
comprises a constant angle α. This prevents dead water zones and a
sudden change of the flow velocity inside the outlet conduit. Mainly
straight flow lines for the powder particle inside the outlet conduit are
ensured so that the risk of an accumulation and agglomeration of powder
particles is reduced.

[0012] Preferably the outlet conduit comprises at its distal end an outlet
opening comprising a cross sectional area of Aout and at its
proximal end an inlet opening comprising a cross sectional area of
Ain, wherein in the case of a present inlet curvature the inlet
opening is located at a change between the inlet curvature and a mainly
linear course of the inner surface of the outlet conduit, wherein the
ratio between Aout and Ain is
0.0≦Aout/Ain≦1.0, particularly
0.05≦Aout/Ain≦0.8, preferably
0.1≦Aout/Ain≦0.6, more preferred
0.15≦Aout/Ain≦0.5 and most preferred
0.2≦Aout/Ain≦0.3. By means of this ratio of the
outlet opening to the inlet opening the flow lines of the powder
particles can be bundled and the powder particles accelerated without a
significant increase of the risk of agglomerated powder particles. The
cross sectional areas of the inlet opening and/or of the outlet openings
are particularly circular or elliptic for preventing dead water zones.

[0013] Particularly preferred the outlet conduit comprises at its distal
end an outlet opening comprising a hydraulic diameter dout of 0.3
mm≦dout≦2.0 mm, particularly 0.5
mm≦dout≦1.5 mm, preferably 0.7
mm≦dout≦1.3 mm and most preferred dout=1.0
mm±0.1 mm. By considering the hydraulic diameter the effect of a
non-circular cross section of the outlet conduit can be described by
means of a diameter of an equivalent circular cross section for the
respective passage. For calculating the hydraulic diameter it is assumed
that the whole perimeter of the cross section of the outlet conduit is
the wetted perimeter. The cross section of the outlet conduit can be for
instance circular, elliptical or angular. This hydraulic diameter of
outlet opening is narrow enough for providing a wide spray effect for the
dispensed powder. At the same time the hydraulic diameter of outlet
opening is wide enough for preventing a clogging of the outlet conduit. A
too high volume fraction of powder particles in the cross section of the
outlet opening is prevented.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment each of the passages of the mesh in the
region covering the outlet conduit comprises a hydraulic diameter d of
0.01 mm≦d≦0.45 mm, particularly 0.10
mm≦d≦0.40 mm, preferably 0.20 mm≦d≦0.30 mm
and most preferred d=0.25 mm±0.02 mm. By considering the hydraulic
diameter the effect of a non-circular cross section of the passages can
be described by means of a diameter of an equivalent circular cross
section for the respective passage. For calculating the hydraulic
diameter it is assumed that the whole perimeter of the cross section of
the respective passage is the wetted perimeter. The cross section of the
respective passage can be for instance circular, elliptical, angular or
rectangular, particularly square-like. Due to this quite small hydraulic
diameter of the passages of the mesh it is prevented that the powder may
unintentionally escape. Since a plurality of powder particles may block
each other in the passages, even a very fine powder can be retained by
the mesh, when no additional pressure is applied for instance by
compressing the squeezable container. The mesh can be made from a
metallic and/or plastic material. Preferably the mesh is manufactured by
weaving one or more wires but can be also produced by perforating a disc.

[0015] Preferably the passages comprise an average distance s to each
other of 0.05 mm≦s≦0.50 mm, particularly 0.10
mm≦s≦0.40 mm, preferably 0.15 mm≦s≦0.30 mm
and most preferred 0.20 mm≦s≦0.25 mm. The average distance
is the arithmetic average of all distances perpendicular outwards to the
tangent for each point of the perimeter of the respective passage,
wherein points leading to infinite distances are disregarded. Due to the
comparatively small distance between neighboring passages the part
between the passages provides the effect of a blade for cutting
agglomerated powder particles in several parts. Powder particle
agglomerates can be pulverized to very small particle sizes leading to a
very fine dispensed powder cloud. The mesh can be produced by perforating
a disc, wherein the perforations are spaced to each other by the above
mentioned distance s. Preferably the mesh is manufactured by weaving one
or more particularly metal and/or plastic wires, wherein the wires
particularly comprises a diameter in the above mentioned range for the
distance s.

[0016] Particularly the mesh is provided inside the cap only. It is not
necessary to provide the mesh inside the outlet conduit. A backwater
effect inside the outlet conduit is prevented. The mesh can be located in
direct contact to a distal border wall of the cap, so that particularly
an inlet curvature can start in flow direction of the dispensed powder
directly behind the mesh. The distal border wall is a portion of the cap
which provides a stop in flow direction of the outlet conduit so that a
maximum distal end position of a part abutting the distal border wall is
defined. The distal border wall may provide an abutting surface pointing
in proximal direction, this means opposite to the flow direction. The
abutting surface may point towards the container in assembled state of
the container and the nozzle. The distal border wall with the abutting
surface may be located inside the nozzle particularly for abutting the
mesh and/or outside the nozzle particularly for abutting the container.

[0017] Preferably the mesh is provided spaced in axial direction to the
outlet conduit particularly by means of a distance ring. Due to the
defined distance between the mesh and the outlet conduit a volume
directly after the mesh is provided, where the powder particle can
provide a powder cloud with regularly distributed powder particles before
being dispensed via the outlet conduit. Accumulations or agglomerations
of powder particles due to concentration differences particularly inside
the outlet conduit can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0018] Particularly preferred a first mesh is provided in direct contact
to a distal border wall of the cap and a second mesh is provided spaced
in axial direction to the first mesh particularly by means of a distance
ring. If so, a third mesh or more meshes or a sieve or more than one
sieve can be provided. By means of the several meshes a multiple stage
pulverization of powder agglomerates can be provided. The hydraulic
diameter of the passages of different meshes can be mainly identical or
different. Particularly the passages of the subsequent mesh in flow
direction of the dispensed powder comprise a smaller hydraulic diameter
than the passages of the previous mesh or sieve. Further the powder
retaining effect is increase by the plurality of meshes.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the invention at least one
stabilization rip protruding from the outlet conduit and connected to the
cap for stabilizing the outlet conduit is provided. Due to the at least
one, particularly three, preferably four or more stabilization rips the
stability of the outlet conduit is increased. It can be prevented that
the steep outlet conduit may be bended, damaged, folded or broken. A
proper course of the outlet conduit can be safeguarded and the risk that
a clogging due to irregularities in the course of the outlet conduit may
occur is at least reduced.

[0020] Preferably the mesh is connected inside the nozzle by bonding by
means of an adhesive and/or by clamping by means of friction and/or by
clipping by means of a clip connector and/or by welding particularly by
ultrasonic welding. This leads to a secure connection of the mesh with
the nozzle, which can be easily performed during the manufacturing
process of the nozzle. The mesh can be connected via its peripheral
surface and/or via a part of one of its front faces. If so, a provided
distance ring can be connected inside the nozzle by bonding by means of
an adhesive and/or by clamping by means of friction and/or by clipping by
means of a clip connector and/or by welding particularly by ultrasonic
welding. Further the at least one mesh can be connected to the distance
ring by bonding by means of an adhesive and/or by clamping by means of
friction and/or by clipping by means of a clip connector and/or by
welding particularly by ultrasonic welding.

[0021] The invention further relates to a powder dispenser for applying a
powder, particularly a pulverized hair treatment product, comprising a
container partially filled with the powder, wherein the container is
adapted to change its volume upon pressing on the container and wherein
the container comprises an opening for filling in the powder closed by a
nozzle, which can be designed as previously described. The container is
particularly adapted to change its volume, when a pressure is applied
from any direction. Preferably the container is squeezable and/or
comprises flexible bellows. Due to the mesh powder agglomerates can be
pulverized ensuring a very fine powder with small particle sizes. Since
the mesh not only retains the powder particles but also pulverizes powder
agglomerates, a homogenous particle size distribution of the dispensed
powder particles can be ensured. Due to the small inclination angle
α a steep course of the inner surface of the outlet conduit is
given leading to an increased flow velocity at a reduced risk of
accumulations and agglomerations of the powder particles. Due to the
reduced amount of agglomerations inside the outlet conduit the risk of
clogging is reduced when a powder is dispensed. The powder dispenser can
be further designed as previously described with respect to the nozzle.
The volume V of the container is particularly filled with the powder by
1%≦V≦90%, preferably 5%≦V≦60%, more preferred
10%≦V≦50% and most preferred 15%≦V≦40%.

[0022] Particularly 90% of the volume of the powder comprises an average
particle diameter dP of 1.0 μm≦dP≦240 μm
particularly 2.0 μm≦dP≦175 μm, preferably 3.0
μm≦dP≦150 μm and most preferred 4.0
μm≦dP≦125 μm. Due to this average particle
diameter of the powder a fine dispensed powder cloud can be provided,
wherein at the same time an unintentionally escaping of the powder out of
the container trough the mesh is at least unlikely.

[0023] Preferably the maximum volume of a 1 μm broad class of average
particle diameters dmax is at 3.0 μm≦dmax60 μm,
preferably 4.0 um≦dmax 5 20 um, more preferred 6.0
μm≦dmax≦12 μm and most preferred 8.0
μm≦dmax≦10 μm. A basic material refined to such
kind of a reduction ratio leads to a distribution of particle sizes of
the powder which leads to a fine dispensed powder cloud, wherein an
unintentionally escaping of the powder out of the container trough the
mesh can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0024] Particularly the container, particularly the material of the
container and/or a wall thickness of the container, is chosen such that
when 50% of the volume of the container is filled with the powder and the
opening of the container is positioned vertically downwards a mass m of
powder of 0.001 g≦m≦0.5 g, particularly 0.01
g≦m≦0.45 g, preferably 0.02 g≦m≦0.4 g, more
preferred 0.05 g≦m≦0.3 g, further preferred 0.1
g≦m≦0.2 g and most preferred m=1.0 g±0.02 g is
dispensed. In most cases this amount of mass of the powder is sufficient
for covering the head of a person. The amount by which the volume of the
container can be changed by pressing the container is adapted to an
intended mass of the powder which should be applied. This result can be
reached by adapting the design of the container. For example it is
possible choosing a non-rigid and/or flexible material like PP or PE and
adapting the wall thickness of container until the intended mass to be
applied is reached. Further the form of the container can be adapted for
providing a higher or lower amount for changing the volume of the
container by pressing without changing the material or the wall thickness
of the container.

[0025] The invention further relates to a use of a nozzle, which may be
designed as previously described, and/or of a powder dispenser, which may
be designed as previously described, for dispensing powder agglomerates,
particularly a pulverized hair treatment product. The nozzle and/or the
powder dispenser can be further used for dispensing powder agglomerates
of a cosmetical and/or pharmaceutical and/or dermatological product. The
nozzle is particularly used for applying a non-therapeutic product. The
nozzle and/or the powder dispenser can be particularly used for applying
the pulverized powder agglomerates to the head, particularly the hair
and/or head skin, of a person.

[0026] In the following the invention is explained in detail by example
with reference to the enclosed drawings showing preferred embodiments of
the present invention.

[0027] In the drawings

[0028] FIG. 1: is a sectional side view of a first embodiment of a nozzle,

[0029]FIG. 2: is a sectional side view of a second embodiment of a
nozzle,

[0030]FIG. 3: is a sectional side view of a third embodiment of a nozzle,

[0031]FIG. 4: is a diagram of a volumetric particle size distribution of
a powder,

[0032]FIG. 5: is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a
container suitable for being connected to a nozzle illustrated in FIGS. 1
to 3,

[0033]FIG. 6: is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a
container suitable for being connected to a nozzle illustrated in FIGS. 1
to 3,

[0034]FIG. 7: is a schematic side view of a third embodiment of a
container suitable for being connected to a nozzle illustrated in FIGS. 1
to 3,

[0035]FIG. 8: is a schematic top view of a first embodiment of a
container illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7,

[0036]FIG. 9: is a schematic top view of a second embodiment of a
container illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, and

[0037]FIG. 10: is a schematic top view of a third embodiment of a
container illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0038] The nozzle 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a cap 12, from
which an outlet conduit 14 protrudes in an axial direction 16. The cap 12
and the outlet conduit 14 are one-piece in the illustrated embodiment and
particularly made by plastic injection molding. The cap 12 comprises a
distal border wall 18 with an inlet curvature 20 whose inner surface
merges stepless with a mainly linear inner surface 22 of the outlet
conduit 14. The transition between the curved part of the inlet curvature
20 and the linear part of the inner surface 22 of the outlet conduit 14
defines the border between the cap 12 of the nozzle 10 and the outlet
conduit 14 of the nozzle 10. The inner surface 22 of the outlet conduit
14 is stepless linear over the whole axial length of the outlet conduit
14. The inner surface 22 of the outlet conduit 14 is inclined with
respect to the axial direction 16 by an angle α=3°, wherein
the outlet area Aout of an outlet opening 24 of the outlet conduit
14 is smaller than the inlet area Ain of an inlet opening 26 of the
outlet conduit 14.

[0039] The whole cross section of the outlet conduit 14 is covered by a
mesh 28. In the illustrated embodiment the mesh 28 is in direct contact
to the distal border wall 18 of the cap 12, so that in addition the whole
cross section of the inlet curvature 20 is covered by the mesh 28. By
means of the mesh 28 agglomerated powder particles of a not illustrated
container can be pulverized when pressed through the mesh 28.

[0040] The outlet conduit 14 comprises due to the small angle α a
steep and filigree design. The outlet conduit 14 is protected by means of
stabilization rips 30 against bending or other possible damages. The
stabilization rips 30 are provided along the main part of the axial
extension of the outlet conduit 14. The stabilization rips 30 are
connected to both the outlet conduit 14 and the distal border wall 18 of
the cap 12. In the illustrated embodiment the cap 12 is provided with an
external thread 32 for being securely screwed with a not illustrated
container, which is partially filled with powder for being dispensed via
the nozzle 10.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 2 the mesh 28 can be located spaced to the
distal border wall 18 of the cap 12 by means of a distance ring 34. The
distance ring 28 can for instance be inserted into the cap 12 by friction
and/or bonded to the cap 12 by means of an adhesive. The distance ring 28
is particularly made from the same material as the nozzle 10. Between the
mesh 28 and the distal border wall 18 a volume 36 is provided, where
pulverized powder after passing the mesh 28 can be mainly regularly
distributed before the pulverized powder is dispensed via the outlet
conduit 14.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 3 the distance ring 34 can be provided on
both front faces with meshes 28. Between the meshes 28 and the distance
ring 34 a volume 36 is provided, where pulverized powder after passing
the first mesh 28 can be mainly regularly distributed before the
pulverized powder passes the next mesh 28.

[0043] In FIG. 4 the particle size distribution of a suitable powder is
shown. The volume of the respective particle size in % is shown over the
particle diameter in μm, wherein the particle diameters of the
abscissa are shown logarithmically. Over 90% of the volume of the powder
comprises a particle size between 2 μm and 120 μm. A 1 μm broad
class 38 illustrating the volume amount of the particle sizes between 9
μm and 10 μm is with ca. 3.9% of the whole powder volume the
maximum of the particle size distribution.

[0044] The container 40 as illustrated in FIG. 5 can be partially filled
via an opening 42 with the powder comprising the particle size
distribution as illustrated in FIG. 4. The container 40 can be connected
to the nozzle 10 at its opening 42 for instance via an inner or outer
thread 44. When the nozzle 10 is connected to the container 40 partially
filled with a powder a powder dispenser is manufactured. The container 40
can be made from a compressible plastic material so that the container 40
is squeezable for discharging the received powder by reducing the filling
volume of the container 40. The container 40 as illustrated in FIG. 6
comprises a flexible bellows 46 for reducing the filling volume of the
container 40 for discharging the received powder. When the container is
pressed from the bottom, the bellows 46 is folded reducing the volume of
the container 40. Due to the increased pressure inside the reduced volume
of the container 40 the powder is discharged via the opening 42 and the
nozzle 10 outwards. In this embodiment the bellows 46 is sufficient for
discharging the received powder so that the remaining container 40 may be
rigid. The shape of the container 40 can be differently formed for
example at its upper half and its lower half as illustrated in FIG. 7.
The shape of the container 40 may be designed with respect to an
optimization of an ergonomic handling of the container 40. The container
40 may comprise a cross section, which is circular (FIG. 8), elliptic
(FIG. 9), rectangular with rounded corners (FIG. 10) or of any other
suitable design.